A mathematical representation of the Ovulatory cycle of the domestic hen

1. The ovulatory cycle of the domestic hen (Gallus domesticus) was postulated to be the result of the interaction of two independent systems.

2. A circadian system was postulated to control the restriction of ovulation to an 8‐h period of the day under conventional 14 h light: 10 h dark regimes.

3. The final phase of follicular maturation was postulated to commence after ovulation of the preceding ovum in the hierarchy.

4. Ovulation was postulated to occur when a mature follicle was present in the ovary during the appropriate phase of the circadian‐linked system.

5. The predicted times of oviposition were within the standard error of the observed times of oviposition under 21‐, 24‐ and 28‐h photoschedules.

6. It was concluded that this hypothesis for the control of the ovulatory cycle of the hen is consistent with current knowledge.     

Choice of social conditions by laying hens

1. To test the preferences of hens for particular social conditions when laying, they were provided with choices of nest‐sites varying in seclusion. Three experimental conditions were used.

2. In Experiment 1, nest‐site selection by members of a group of light hybrids was studied in a complex pen‐system. Eggs were clumped in distribution ; only one individual laid in the most secluded part of the system.

3. Experiment 2 provided light hybrids with an extensive outdoor area, but similarly clumped laying was observed; there was no indication that hens attempted to find concealment for nesting.

4. In Experiment 3, hens from a group of light hybrids just coming into lay and from a group of mature medium hybrids were tested singly, in an area that included a cage containing some of their flockmates. Most subjects from both groups laid near the other birds rather than in isolation.

5. In semi‐intensive conditions, the majority of hens are apparently gregarious rather than solitary in their nesting behaviour.     

Salmon poisoning disease in dogs on southern vancouver island

Salmon poisoning disease in dogs has previously been reported in North America only along the western coast of the U.S.A. This paper presents the findings from eight affected dogs recently diagnosed on Vancouver Island, Canada. The clinical signs shown by these dogs were lethargy, anorexia, pyrexia and lymph node enlargement. The causative agent, Neorickettsia helminthoeca was observed in macrophages obtained from lymph node aspirates. This organism is transmitted to dogs in cysts of the fluke Nanophyetus salmincola salmincola within the tissues of the salmon or trout. The presence of fluke eggs in the feces of dogs showing typical signs is very suggestive of a diagnosis of salmon poisoning disease. Appropriate treatment, including chloramphenicol or oxytetracycline and fluid therapy, resulted in recovery. Prevention of salmon poisoning disease in endemic areas can be achieved by advising owners against allowing their dogs to eat raw salmon or trout. We suggest, based on the diagnoses made in these eight dogs, that Vancouver Island now be considered an endemic area for salmon poisoning disease.     

Intracranial schwannoma in a cow

A nine year old Hereford crossbred cow with a history of progressive neurological signs was referred to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatoon. A large intracranial mass, histologically identified as a schwannoma, was found to be compressing the left brain stem and appeared to have arisen from the left fifth cranial nerve.     

Retrospective evaluation of xylazine/halothane anesthesia in 125 cattle

A retrospective morbidity and mortality study was carried out on 125 case records of cattle involving xylazine/halothane anesthesia at the Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph between May 1979 and February 1983.     

Acetaminophen toxicosis in a cat

A seven month old domestic shorthaired male cat was presented with a known history of acetaminophen ingestion. Clinical findings included icterus, depression, hypothermia, tachypnea and pronounced edema of the head and neck. Treatment was aimed at providing substrate to assist in conjugation of the drug and reversing methemoglobinemia. Administration of oral acetylcysteine, ascorbic acid and IV fluids was insufficient in this case due to a delay in initiation of treatment. The salient postmortem findings were icterus, subcutaneous and pulmonary edema and evidence of hemolysis in the liver, spleen and urinary tract.     

Plasma cell pododermatitis in a cat

Plasma cell pododermatitis, an uncommon disease of unknown etiology, is described in a six year old male domestic short-haired cat. The cat was referred with a history of lameness associated with swelling, softness and ulceration of the foot pads. The history suggested a seasonal occurrence of the condition. The dermis and subcutis of the foot pads were infiltrated by inflammatory cells which were mainly plasma cells. The large number of plasma cells present in the lesions suggests an immunological basis for the condition.